“Before I came to Our Lady Star of the Sea School, I believed in Christ, Mary and God, but I was not close with them. Now I learn about them almost every day and my relationship with them is stronger than ever. Mary is an influence in my life because she is a great example showing us to say 'yes'to God. Mary is also an example of a strong woman. She knew her only child would die, and she was with Jesus every step of the way.” – Haley Hermann, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
During the month of May, we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in a special way – along with our own mothers. For the May Junior Saints, students electronically submitted drawings and writings of their mothers and of the Blessed Mother and the many ways that mothers touch the lives of their children.
“I love Mary, she is my mother in heaven. I talk to her when I want to. She makes me smile. I love Mary.” – Aibhilin Fockler, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Solomons, Maryland“My mom inspires me to be a better person because she is always there when I need her the most. She takes care of me every day, and I am very thankful for her. God always chooses what's best for us, and I have an amazing mother that protects me and makes sure I'm healthy." – Gabriella Guadango, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland“To me Mary is a protector who takes care of me and my family. She is also a great and brave mother. She is my role model. Always with humility and love, she took care of her Son, seeing everything He suffered. She was always there with Him, so our mothers are with us ready to help us and pray for us." – Yesenia Araniva, fifth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville, Maryland“I love both of my moms because they bring me joy and courage." Holly Mott, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland“My mother is beautiful, hard working, caring and the most helpful person I know. She is my companion. She is not only a loving and devoted mother, she is the best person I know who puts her life into caring for her children, works arduously every day, is demanding, is a bold person, and the best person that is committed to helping my family... I love her and even when I am mad at her, I will always love her with every little bit of my heart!” – Abigail Gardner, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C. “My mother is very special to me. She’s done many things to keep me happy, encouraged, and determined. She’s the one who gave birth to me, the one who took care of me, and the one who looks after me day and night. She keeps me away from my worries, encourages me to do my best, and is the one who gives me the strength to do or face anything. Without her, I would always be sad and scared, but she’s always here to protect me from any danger lying ahead.” – Arlo Pangilinan, sixth grade, St. Columba Catholic School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“Mary influences me to live life like she did, caring for others, being kind to others, and staying away from sin.” – AJ Capati, St. Columba, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“Mary is the model of the Church, she displayed her faith in her Son throughout His ministry. Mary is our pathway to Jesus." – Annetta Uduebor, seventh grade, Holy Cross School, Garrett Park, Maryland
“My mom means so much to me. She never hesitates to help me with something. She has given up so much for that, and I can’t thank her enough for everything. I don’t know where I’d be without my mom. I would give up anything to make her happy!” – Bray Donahue, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“My mom means a lot to me. I like it most when we cuddle together. Another thing I enjoy doing with my mom is baking butter cakes. I also love going to the movies and eating popcorn together too. There are only a few things that make my mom special to me.” – Brooklyn Cunningham, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“Our Lady Star of the Sea has influenced my life in a lot of ways. All because of her, my mom and I do the rosary. It not only strengthens my connections with my mother, but also with Our Lady. Her patience and love inspire me to live a life like she did. Our Lady has a strong influence in my life.” – Camryn Stark, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland“Mary, the mother of God, plays an important role in my life. I say a 'Hail Mary' every night before I go to bed. I pray that Mary keeps people safe and that she brings peace to the world. I know that just as Mary cared for Jesus, she also cares for me. Mary is a mother, so she treats everyone like they are her children. She is a very loving person, and she is like a second mother for me. I can always pray to her when I’m feeling sad, angry or nervous. She is a comforting presence in my life.” – Claire Maloney, fourth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.“Where do I even start… my mom is literally my superhero. I love her to the moon and back! She is the best person anyone could ever have in their life. She’s understanding, very wise, and extremely courageous. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. She is the only one that keeps me motivated and to never quit. Because when I reach all my goals I want to be able to tell her – 'I did it, mom' and seeing the smile on her face lets me know that it was all worth it, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her.” – Dream Nash, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland“What my mom means to me is everything. I love her, I hug her every day. She plays with me, cooks for me. I wouldn't be here if she didn't exist. That is what my mom means to me." – Graci King, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland “Mom, I love you so much. Thank you for all the times that you have gone above and beyond to help me. You have always shown me a good example of what it means to be thoughtful. I am a kinder person because of you.” – Grayson Brady, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C. “Mary Mother of God means so much to me and just now she was willing to say 'yes' to everything God had in store for her. She was very brave when she accepted everything even when she had free will and still said 'yes.' And she was faithful even when things were hard, and she inspires me during hard times.” – Hannah Norton, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“Mary is not just a mother, she is also a role model for all mothers. Mary always has her hands open for the people in need, especially our prayers. She is a role model for the mothers that are in need. She is always there when we need her, even if we’re good or bad she’ll always be on our side.” Isabella Araniva, third grade, St. Jude Regional School, Rockville, Maryland
"My mother is caring, loving, and very thoughtful. She works very hard to take care of me and my family. She is always there for me when I need her. I’m always surprised and overwhelmed by the amount of things she does for me. Without her, I don’t know what I would do. I wouldn’t have guidance, I wouldn’t have a roof over my head, I wouldn’t have so many things if I were without her. I am so grateful to have a mother like her because she influenced me to be the person I am today. I wouldn't be the same without her.” – Jada Lagda, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“Mary’s courage and strength during the time of her son’s crucifixion is remarkable. Her strength pushes me to do better every day because I know that if Mary was able to persevere through the horrible death of her son, I know I can do anything with God at my side.” – Jaya Kelly, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“Thank you mom for everything you do. You cheer me up when I’m feeling blue. Thank you mom for believing in me. Nervous about football but never during a game did you flee. Thank you for investing in my Catholic education where I learn to love God and secure my salvation. Thank you, God, for giving me the best mom ever. I love you forever and ever.” – Jaydan Zollarcoffer, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“My mom is very special to me because she has always been there for me. She picks me up when I fall, and if I'm stuck on something in homework she helps me. My mom cares for me in a very special way, and would do anything for me, as I would for her. I love my mom because she's always helping me no matter what. She would stick up for me when I needed it and help me no matter what. There are so many reasons I love my mom, she is also a great role model." – Jenny Kelly, fourth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Mary hasn’t influenced my life a lot personally, but she has influenced everyone in some way. Without Mary, Jesus wouldn’t have been born. Without Jesus, the world would be without Heaven. Mary is the key in God’s plan to providing everyone with a way to be free of original sin. So, even if you’ve never seen Mary before, she’s always there helping.” – Joseph DiBonaventuro, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“The Blessed Mother has influenced my own mother and I greatly. My mom follows after Mary in many ways. My mom is generous, kind and grateful. Mary has taught me to always pray and trust in God, and my mom teaches me to do so, also. Mary always made sacrifices for God. My mom has also given up many things for me. She is nice and cares for me a lot. Mary also cares for Jesus and all her children on Earth.” – Julia Palor, seventh grade, St Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“The reason Mary influences me is because she has a determined spirit and is dedicated to Christ. Mary never gave up. Even when the Son of God died for us, Mary prayed with the apostles. She is a good example to follow, and I want to show her that I love her.” – Justin Reid, seventh grade, St Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“My mom means a lot to me. She cared for me when I was little. She helps me when I am scared or unhappy. She feeds, loves, cares and buys toys for me. She always wants to see me smile and she always will try to make me smile. That is why my mom means so much to me.” – Kaleb Wingenter, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Solomons, Maryland
Kaylana Padre, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“My mom means the world to me. She is so sweet and so kind, she always puts me and my sisters first. When I am having a bad day, she’s there to make me feel better. She helps me with my homework, she makes my family’s meals, and she works. I don’t know how she does it, but I’m grateful she’s my mom.” – Madeline Hauck, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“My mom is a big influence on me. She’s smart, caring, loving, creative, and funny. She tries very hard to keep us happy and safe. She's very passionate about her love of God. She planned a party for me so that I could have a birthday to remember. She took time out of her day to bake us cupcakes. She taught me how to cook. I want to be just like her when I grow up.” – Leila Gonzales, seventh grade, St. Columba, Oxon Hill, Maryland
Maggie Estorninos, first grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill Maryland
“My mom means the world to me, I’m glad I have her. She’s the best mom anyone could ask for. I love her so much and I can’t bear to lose her because what’s going on in the world right now. I pray that the pandemic will end soon.” – Makala Saunders, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“My mom means a lot to me. She is one of the biggest influences in my life. She would always be there for me when I needed support and love. She knows her mission, and she is teaching me what God’s purpose is for us.” – Megan Montero, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“She influences me to stay strong during tough times. Because of Mary, I learned that you are never alone and someone can never bring you down." – Mekdelawit Tewodros, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“Mother Mary is a guardian to keep me in check. She helps me decide which paths I take in life.” – Michael Hernandez, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“My mother has done so much for me. She has such a strong influence on me, and she always tells me to be the light that someone needs. Sometimes I misbehave but at the end of the day, my mother makes sure that I know she loves me. My mother shows each of my siblings that she loves us but in different ways. She loves me, and I know she will love me." – Molly Howard, fourth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.“Our Lady of Guadalupe is special to me because we share a special bond.” – Patrick Cisneros, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“For me, my mom wasn’t just someone who took care of me. She had other loving attributes to herself. Throughout my life I had her love at times. Sometimes I would have discipline from her. It was tough, but that is what made me me, and I cannot love my Mom much more. I’m glad my mom was smart, I’m glad she was kind, I’m glad she was there for me, and most importantly, I’m grateful to have her as my mom.” – Sunhee Han, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“Mary has a lot of influence in my life. An example would be when I pray. She always listens to me. I sometimes think that once she listens to all my prayers, she whispers in Jesus’ ear what I have prayed for. It’s really cool that you get a mother in Heaven that is Queen of Heaven and Earth. Mary always tries to help me with the many stressful things in my life.” – Tilly Cissna, fourth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.Nia Batoon, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
